Thomas Simons is assuming the duties of
The Ohio American Legion Department
Adjutant. Tom is a retired United States
Army Lieutenant Colonel with over 22 years
of active duty service to our nation.

Born and raised in Avella,
Pennsylvania, Tom graduated from Avella
JR/SR High School in 1988 and enrolled at
Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.
While a cadet at Norwich, Tom enlisted in
the Vermont Army National Guard as an
Infantryman in the delayed entry program
in 1990. Tom graduated with a Bachelor of
Science in Communications from Norwich
University in 1992, he was a Distinguished
Military Graduate from the Army Reserve
Officers Training Corps, and earned a
Regular Army Field Artillery Commission in
1992.

He served in command and leadership
positions from team, battery, battalion,
and Group throughout his military career
including three operational deployments to
Baghdad and Mosul, Iraq in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A 16-year continuous member of The
American Legion, Tom has belonged to Bert
C. Siders Post 643, Avella, Pennsylvania,
Robert, Hecox, Hickle Post 677,
Lithopolis, Ohio and Robert Dutro Post
486, Groveport, OH. He has served as the
2nd Vice Commander and Historian for Post
677, Vice President of Post 677 American
Legion Riders, and 8th District POW/MIA
Chairperson.

Recently Tom commanded the
revitalization of the Robert Dutro Post
486 in Groveport, Ohio. His leadership
resulted in a 189% increase in membership
in less than 4 months, and he is also the
Vice President of the Post 486 American
Legion Riders.

His military awards and decorations
include the Bronze Star Medal with two
bronze oak leaf clusters; Merit-orious
Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf
clusters; Army Commendation Medal with
four bronze oak leaf clusters, Army
Achievement Medal with one silver oak leaf
cluster; National Defense Service Medal
with one bronze service star; Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal with two bronze
service stars; Iraq Campaign Medal with
two bronze service stars; Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service
Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon with a
bronze numeral two. He is authorized to
wear the Master Parachutist Badge; Joint
Meritorious Unit Award; Meritorious Unit
Commendation and the German Parachutist
Badge.

Tom and His wife, Becky, have been
married for 12 years and currently live in
Canal Winchester, Ohio.

Independence will
host Department of
Ohio Annual Convention on June
24-26

In case you haven't heard, the 98th annual
convention of the Ohio American Legion
will be in Independence, a suburb of
Cleveland, June 24-26th.

Independence has never hosted our
Convention however nearby downtown
Cleveland last hosted a Legion Convention
in 2005 and much has changed since
then.

The surrounding area and downtown
offers:

Cultural, culinary, entertainment and
historical attractions than any other city
its size.

A variety of sports activities
including golf, tennis, horse racing and
baseball.

And of course the Horseshoe Casino.

This year's Convention has all the
ingredients to be very successful and
memorable.

Improvements have been made to the
Convention schedule. Start making your
plans now to attend the 98th annual
Convention in Independence, and watch for
the important details and reservation
forms in this year's Convention Call.

Department of Ohio
Headquarters restoration
update

We continue to be excited about the
progression of the restoration
process.

Premier Contractors had the building
completely under roof before the scheduled
date of December 1st. Delaware County
Inspections were completed and approved to
move forward.

Then the reframing of areas along with
some continued demolition due to mold
issues began. Followed by Service Master
Soda blasting, then sealing several areas
that were salvageable. This procedure will
eliminate smoke odor.

Next was the security company, phone
and computer lines, the electrical wiring
and heating, air conditioning and
ventilation. (HVAC).

HVAC currently is working on
installation of the hot water tank. Many
things we were able to keep, to help cut
down on cost. However, this is a prime
time to make changes to benefit the
Organization.

The cathedral ceilings in the long
hallway by the kitchen and meeting rooms
were lowered to a flat ceiling. This will
reduce the heating, air conditioning and
electrical bills. Better more efficient
lighting throughout and additional
electrical outlets will be installed.

The plan to add audio visual capability
(PowerPoint) to the meeting room will
bring us up to the 21st century is in the
works.

An upgrade to the men's restroom and to
become handicap accessible is an
addition.

As the days have progressed there has
been bumps in the road but everything is
still ahead of schedule.

We can certainly see the "Light at the
end of the tunnel" so to speak.

And with that we are in the planning
stages of a Department Open house at the
conclusion of the restoration projected
for July.

Bi-weekly meetings continue to take
place with the restoration Committee and
the Contractor to answer questions and
give progress updates.

Premier Insurance Restoration, have
done a great job to accommodate the Legion
and the request of the Department.

We continue to ask everyone to be
understanding and patient during this
trying time.